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This scenic train in Kyoto takes you through glowing autumn leaves at night

Hop on the viral Sagano Romantic Train as it travels through forest illuminations along rural Kyoto’s Hozugawa River Valley

Lim Chee Wah
Written by
Lim Chee Wah
Contributing Editor, Time Out Osaka
Sagano Romantic Train
Photo: masa/Pixta | Sagano Romantic Train passing through the Hozugawa River Valley in autumn
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If you’re tired of temple-hopping for autumn foliage in Kyoto, here’s a much more enjoyable autumn leaves experience. Step aboard the Sagano Romantic Train, a breathtaking sightseeing ride through one of Kyoto’s most picturesque river valleys.

Running between Arashiyama and Kameoka, this vintage-style trolley train offers a slow, scenic ride through the verdant Hozugawa River Valley. Covering just seven kilometres in about 25 minutes, this train is all about the journey, as it winds through forests ablaze with some of Kyoto’s most vibrant autumn colors. Since all seats are reserved, there’s no crowd – just you sitting back and soaking in the scenery.

Sagano Romantic Train
Photo: Cowardlion/Dreamstime

For an even more magical trip, plan your ride between October 25 and December 29, when the landscape along the route is all lit up for the annual Fantasy Train of Light event. Around 1,000 lights illuminate the trees, slopes and riverbanks, transforming the already stunning scenery into a surreal dreamscape. This is that train – the one you’ve probably seen in viral videos on TikTok and Instagram, gliding through glowing autumn leaves.

Sagano Romantic Train
Photo: JR West

To catch the light-up, hop on any train after 4.30pm from Torokko Saga or Torokko Arashiyama station. Once you arrive at the terminal Torokko Kameoka Station, you can ride the same train back or take a short walk to Umahori Station for a direct connection back to Kyoto Station.

Sagano Romantic Train
Photo: JR West

There will be extra evening trains during peak foliage season: November 22–30 and December 5–7. Note that there will be no service on December 17.

Tickets are ¥880 for adults and half price for children. As this is one of Kyoto’s most popular autumn events, be sure to book your tickets online in advance.

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